PNP deploys security nationwide for post-Undas rush

The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained heightened security across major transport hubs and key highways on Monday as millions of travelers began returning to Metro Manila following the All Souls’ Day holiday.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units nationwide to intensify highway patrols, terminal monitoring, and traffic management to ensure public safety and mitigate expected congestion along major arteries.

“As travelers make their way back to their homes, schools, and workplaces, the PNP remains fully mobilized to keep roads secure, maintain public order, and respond swiftly to any incident that may disrupt travel,” Nartatez said.

Nationwide monitoring reports showed that an estimated 40.7 million visitors passed through 5,311 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria between 30 October and 6 a.m. on 2 November.

Alongside crowd control and public assistance, police seized 6,499 prohibited items at cemetery entry checkpoints nationwide, including 879 bladed weapons, 2,817 lighters, 1,739 cigarette and vape products, and 62 alcoholic beverages.

Meanwhile, transport authorities are bracing for peak passenger volumes on Tuesday as commuters return from provincial trips.

At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), terminal administrators expect passenger traffic to reach between 180,000 and 190,000 on Tuesday as regular work routines resume.

PITX senior corporate affairs officer Kolyn Calbasa said arrivals remained manageable on Monday as some travelers extended their trips through the end of the holiday weekend.

“We expect that by tomorrow, figures will hit at least 180,000 to 190,000 because our usual Tuesday commuters will coincide with travelers returning from the provinces,” Calbasa said in a television interview.

Calbasa added that terminal operators are coordinating daily with bus companies to regulate turnaround times and maintain trip schedules.

Security personnel at PITX continue to deploy metal detectors, X-ray scanners, and K-9 units to screen incoming baggage.

Police and transport officials urged travelers to buy tickets exclusively at official booths, avoid unregistered “colorum” vehicles, and exercise caution on long highway drives.